Lake County Gazette

The Village of Mundelein has taken a firm position by passing an ordinance on Jan. 8, prohibiting buses from dropping off passengers without prior notice, a situation that has been occurring with illegal immigrants in suburban areas. Mundelein Mayor Steve Lentz stressed that the village lacks the resources to accommodate migrants and made it clear that there are no plans to do so.

“We passed an ordinance pertaining to this issue in January 8th,” Lentz told Lake County Gazette. “Mundelein has no plans to house migrants per requests by the Governor and Mayor Johnson. We simply do not have the resources.”

This new ordinance mirrors one passed in Chicago which resulted in suburban drop-offs at Metra stations. 

"The Village of Mundelein owns and operates a Metra passenger train depot," according to the Village of Mundelein.

Mundelein has voiced significant concerns about the welfare and safety of its residents and potential passengers who might be unexpectedly dropped off at its facilities. Issues such as limited shelter from adverse weather conditions and unscheduled drop-offs without the Village's knowledge could leave passengers exposed to harsh elements without access to food or water.

Lentz’s comments come in response to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's request for assistance from suburban mayors with the city’s illegal immigrant crisis.

Burr Ridge’s Gary Grasso commented on Johnson's appeal saying, "He’s asking us all for support, calling out the federal government." 

In an interview with NBC Chicago, Grasso said Johnson specifically asked for increased funding support for sheltering migrants and services provided to them.

In related news, Glen Ellyn Village President Mark Senak recently disclosed during the League of Women Voters Glen Ellyn 2024 State of the Village Annual Meeting on Jan. 26 that their community was offered an $11 million state grant to aid the permanent resettlement of illegal immigrants. The availability of funds for this purpose was brought to the village's attention by State Rep. Terra Costa Howard (D-Glen Ellyn), as reported by DuPage Policy Journal.

This issue has gained prominence following reports that over 34,000 illegal immigrants have arrived in Illinois since mid-2022, thereby intensifying calls for more robust border control measures. Last fall, Illinois allocated $42.5 million in grant money for municipalities to house illegal immigrants. Lake County, Elgin, Oak Park, Urbana and Chicago were among the recipients of these state grants intended to assist with housing and other needs. Overall, the state has earmarked $500 million for the care of illegal immigrants, according to Capitol News Illinois.